Backcountry ski touring news.
Ever wondered about the nuances of “closed” ski runs you encounter while resort uphilling? If you don’t see a sign turned your direction, while a closed sign is displayed to downhill skiers coming from above, is the run open, or closed? A court case involving Vail hinges on these sorts of issues. I find it rather interesting, both from the standpoint of how signs are managed at resorts, as well as the implications of personal responsibility vs depending on big brother ski patrol. From my omniscient office chair: whether you ski in the wilderness or at Vail, watch your own behind, and be sure your kids get a good dose of safety training regarding on-mountain and side country resort hazards. Article here.
In other Vail news: they bought the Crested Butte resort. That might be related to ski touring as much as the price of a 2×4 in Beijing. Or, perhaps it’s more important than one would think, as resort policy regarding everything from uphill skiing to support of skimo racing can touch the sport of ski touring. So keep your ears open. More here.
And our third Vail item. Did you know Vail once had a theme song? Anyone? We have an MP3. Not sure we can share it, looking into the history, more later.
In WildSnow local news with international implications, our Elk Range Mountain Safety Coalition will continue throughout the summer with free and low-cost educational outreach. This thing is amazing, a coalition of Mountain Rescue, Forest Service, sheriff department filled out by two competing guide services, I have high hopes. Coalitions can suffer from two much committee decision making so we shall see, but for now I highly recommend this anyone in Colorado who’s relatively new to peak climbing. Lot’s of options to attend, see details.
Want “summer” snow? There is always South America. I like venturing down there in adventure travel mode, but those wanting a more civilized and organized experience do have options. For example, champion skier Kim Reichhelm will be doing her Portillo thing, as will the Dav, though his “collectiva” is full up.
As if MS Windows “waiting” isn’t enough these days… What’s the latest avalanche beacon to have a software glitch? At the moment, Ortovox 3+ is under the spotlight. Anyone long for the days of simplicity? Recall infos here.
“It was the second week of May … Christine L. Reid and Benno Rybizka feared that the snow might already have melted, foiling their plan. Two ski seasons had already passed since they had decided to make a ski film … a novelty in the 1930s…” More here.
Just for reference, next winter. Are you set on ski touring in France? If so, and you’d like to avoid Cham-hype and other crowded resort areas, it appears the Maurienne valley could be a good bet. Article here.
I recently got curious as to how things are going at Black Diamond. So I accosted a PR guy I trust and got the spiel. He said their backcountry ski line (Helio!) is going well, understandable, and they’ve got something like fifty new products coming to retail over the next year. What they claim is the lightest shell in the market should be interesting. You’ll see it here.
In closing, tired of summer yet? For a break, learn all about hair ice, that which is not formed by breathing down on your neck beard.
7 comments
Really enjoyed the link to pioneering women filmmakers, skiers and climbers such as Christine Reid.
Great images…nothing quite like the time capsule of film.
Thanks for the history highlight!
I spent a week at Val Cenis, in area with the kids. Nice and relaxed, North facing orientation and Bonneval sur Arc, is nominated as one of France’s prettiest villages – there is a grouping of the prettiest! A working village. The pass above at Val Cenis ski area is where Hannibal took the elephants through the alps (up for debate).
It was the mid 90’s and I was skiing in LaGrave and Serre Chevalier with a group of friends from Aspen. I don’t recall if a local gave us a tip or we just qot a hankering to explore but one morning we piled into our rental car and headed out. Somehow we stumbled upon Val Frejus. Just another obscure, unknown ski area in Europe the size and vertical of Jackson Hole. It proved to be a fun day that recharged our batteries for more adventures to come. It also made us realize there are countless ski areas scattered throughout Europe just waiting to be discovered.
I am planning a trip to South America next year and have been reading your archives on the subject. It’s a bucket list trip so you have to get it right. Any advice would be appreciated!
Hi Mike, let’s see what happens with current advice… meanwhile check the following post and leave questions there:
https://www.wildsnow.com/23068/south-america-ski-mountaineering-travel-tips/
Also use our search function with keywords such as “south america”
I’ve been down there twice on fairly long trips, numerous locations, issues vary quite a bit with where exactly you are in “South America” so when you comment let us know more specifically you are thinking of heading.
Lou
Hey Mike, that post that Lou linked is pretty extensive. Let me know if you have any questions! Conditions down there can be hit or miss, so my main advice is that I’m a fan of being flexible with your plans, and having the ability to last minute travel (drive/bus) to another part of Chile/Argentina to find good conditions.
Thanks Lou and Louis, I like the idea of being flexible—to go where the snow is. I have been keeping an eye on South America for the past five years, Bariloche in Refugio Frey seems like a great spot to target. Thank you for all of your posts and info—greatly appreciated!